Taste: Cedar Ridge whiskey

Oct. 2, 2013

David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Written by

Aly Brown

Iowa City Press-Citizen

Whether you are a seasoned sommelier or just starting to appreciate whiskey, Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery (1441 Marak Road N.W., Swisher, 319-857-4300) offers a variety of experimental shine. From the award-winning Iowa Bourbon Whiskey to the 75 percent corn Iowa Bourbon Mash, the state’s first microdistillery is making a name for itself in the libation world. Here is a selection of our favorite spirits.

Single Malt Whiskey

Jamie Siefken, Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery general manager, said the distillery needed a way to use its spent finishing barrels for its No. 1-selling bourbon, since they cannot be reused. “Bourbon has to have a brand new barrel every time you make it, which is why we decided to make a single malt,” he said. While Siefken said the second release of eight barrels is almost sold out, customers can expect four more in early November.

Griff's Cowboy Whiskey

Siefken said Griff’s Cowboy Whiskey was created to honor a friend of the owners, who “has a cowboy way of how he lives his life.” He said Griff’s was inspired by hooch found in the Wild West. “It has a nice, unique sweetness when you first drink it, and a little bit of a bite on the finish,” he said. Expect flavor notes of burnt sugar, vanilla, nettle and nuts.

Short's Whiskey

Short’s Whiskey is Cedar Ridge’s newest, released in late September. It’s a product of a collaboration between the distillery, Short’s Burgers and Shine in Iowa City, and Kroll Farms in Mount Vernon. Siefken said Kroll Farms supplies Iowa Bur Oak Staves, which infuse “a lot of different spice notes I’ve never tasted before in a whiskey.” While Siefken suggests customers appreciate each whiskey on its own, they go well on the rocks or with cola.